Community orchestras and bands in the SF Bay Area
If you play an instrument in the Bay Area, there are many opportunities to perform regardless of your level or experience. This list details many of the community orchestras and some community bands in the San Francisco Bay Area that are open to all ages. If you are interested in playing, reach out to these groups and find the right fit for you!
If you know of a great group that’s not on this list, please email us and we’d be happy to add it!
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The Awesome Orchestra (Bay Area - locations change) - Our mission is to make awesome orchestral adventures accessible to musicians and the public. Participation is free and open to musicians of all ages and skill levels, while donations are accepted.
San Francisco Civic Music Association (San Francisco) - San Francisco Civic Music has several performance ensembles that allow many musicians to take part! Each group has a different focus and schedule, and instrument needs may vary by ensemble and set.
Symphony Parnassus (San Francisco) - The volunteer-based Symphony Parnassus performs four concerts each season in San Francisco, and requires a short audition for membership.
Bay Area Rainbow Symphony (San Francisco) - BARS is dedicated to promoting and supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer identified (LGBTQ) musicians and composers. This volunteer-based ensemble requires an audition and welcomes intermediate to advanced players.
Prometheus Symphony Orchestra (Oakland) - The all-volunteer community-based orchestra is devoted to the rehearsal and performance of master works of the symphonic repertoire. Their 24-25 season features 5 concerts on Sundays.
Oakland Community Orchestra (Oakland) - As one of the Bay Area's only volunteer, daytime orchestras, the Oakland Community Orchestra provides the opportunity for amateur players to fulfill their passion for music without having to drive at night. Our musicians, now grown to more than fifty in number, vary in age and experience, but our love of orchestral music is what brings us together.
Community Women’s Orchestra (Oakland) - CWO takes special pride in nurturing and celebrating women composers across the ages. The orchestra performs three main concerts every year.
Oakland Civic Orchestra (Oakland) - The OCO maintains a high performance standard and has a large roster of accomplished volunteer musicians. Many have professional level training and experience but chose careers in other fields. Others are dedicated amateurs whose skills are deepened through regular participation in orchestral and chamber music activities.
East Bay Symphonic Band (Hayward) - The East Bay Symphonic Band is a community band with an open invitation to all who wish to play an instrument.
Redwood Symphony (Redwood City) - Redwood Symphony is an all-volunteer orchestra dedicated to the performance of ambitious, contemporary repertoire, as well as the great orchestral classics.
West Bay Community Band (Millbrae) - This is a Symphonic Band that can facilitate sub-ensembles such as Jazz Band, Brass Choir and Woodwind groups. There will be about 6 to 10 performances per year at community events and dedicated concerts.
Nova Vista Symphony (Los Altos/Saratoga) - Nova Vista Symphony is the largest, long-standing community orchestra in the Santa Clara Valley and is comprised of more than 70 talented, volunteer musicians.
Foothill Symphonic Winds (Mountain View) - FSW performs classical and contemporary works for symphonic wind ensemble or concert band. Enrollment is open to all qualified musicians in the community. This page also includes a comprehensive list of community wind bands.
Livermore-Amador Symphony Association (Livermore) - The (LAS) is a community-based orchestra with a professional conductor and concertmaster. We are a big musical family with a long and rich history in the community.